When God Walks Into the Dressing Room: Stories from the Strip Club Outreach

Kindness at the Door

Our first stop had a history—some previous visits had been met with hostility, while others brought beautiful moments with the dancers. This time, we were welcomed with open arms. The bartender greeted us with warmth, offered cold bottles of water on a scorching day, and even stepped in to shield us from unwanted attention. She personally walked us to the dressing room and introduced us to the women inside.

“I Want to Pray Too!”

The moment we entered, one dancer lit up and said she was so glad we were there—she needed prayer. Grieving the upcoming anniversary of her father’s death and struggling to stay afloat in cosmetology school, she reached out her hands and asked us to pray.

As we began, other dancers entered and, seeing what was happening, joined in:“I want to pray too!”

We formed a circle in the middle of the dressing room. Afterward, we spent time talking, laughing, and sharing wigs and snack bags. One by one, more women asked for prayer. The atmosphere was rich with honesty and sacred connection.

From “Hell No” to “Please Pray for Me”

Not long after, a dancer walked in and was told we could pray for her. Her response was immediate and intense:“Hell no!”She shared that a Christian had once come into the club and told her she was going to hell if she didn’t leave the life. We gently explained that we were not there to judge or pressure anyone—just to love and support, no matter where someone is on their journey.

As we began to respectfully back out so she wouldn’t feel uncomfortable, she stopped us:“Never mind—I do want you to pray for me.”

She and her sister—also a dancer—shared that they had been praying and fasting and had already decided:“We’re drawing closer to God, and that’s why we can’t do this anymore.”They said it was their last night working. Both are single moms with no family support. They asked for prayer for protection, clarity, and spiritual growth. One shared that she sees visions and has been told she has a gift of discernment. The other asked for help understanding the Bible and growing closer to God.

We prayed, encouraged them, and reminded them they could reach out to us anytime.

Language of the Heart

At another club, we connected with managers and dancers—including several who spoke only Spanish. Through Google Translate and the help of bilingual dancers, we were able to have meaningful conversations and offer prayer and support. One manager shared about a tragic loss in her life, and we offered empathy, care, and a number to contact us. Her heart was tender, and she seemed deeply moved.

An Unexpected Open Door

The last club we visited was a high-end venue, and we weren’t sure if we’d be let in. But instead of resistance, we were met with favor. The staff invited us to sit at the bar while the manager was called. When she arrived, she greeted us with hugs and enthusiasm, even mistaking us at first for another Christian outreach group. Once we explained who we were and what we do, she smiled and walked us back to the dressing room:“Here ya go—do your thing!”

The women we met were kind, curious, and happy to talk. Even those who didn’t speak English were able to engage with the help of a friend who translated. There was no resistance—only warmth and openness.

God Was There First

Each club had its own story, its own atmosphere, and its own people. But in every place, one thing was clear: God was already there—softening hearts, opening doors, and making a way. We were just invited to join Him.

We left each club humbled and in awe of what happens when we simply show up with love, listen without judgment, and offer prayer with open hands.